Go for a 'stupid walk'
Updated: Mar 4, 2022
If you've been scrolling on TikTok, you've probably come across the 'going on a stupid walk for my stupid mental health' trend. It's a fun playful trend that usually pairs a funky-looking lens with some silly song, but how much truth is behind this trend really?
When you're in a negative mental state, it's difficult to get out of it. When a depressive episode hits, the simple things like getting out of bed, taking a shower, essentially just taking care of yourself can be challenging. It can be a genuine struggle for some people.
We already know that working out releases endorphins, which are the body's natural painkiller/feel good hormone. Keeping that in mind, going for a walk for your mental health could really turn things around.
Going for a walk improves self-perception and self-esteem, mood and sleep quality, and it reduces stress, anxiety and fatigue. Physically active people have up to a 30% reduced risk of becoming depressed, and staying active helps those who are depressed recover.
Depression can show up in different levels, and of course it's not to say that going for a walk is going to fix your depression, nor to invalidate the way that someone may be feeling. But going for a walk can definitely help get you out of that funk.
Going for a walk forces you to get out of bed, and out of your house, which can often be an enabling environment to be in. If you stay in bed, you tend to stay in that negative feeling, and going for a walk can help get you out of your head. Not only does a walk improve your mental state, but it can also improve your physical health. It strengthens your bones and muscles, improves cardiovascular fitness, and can lead to better sleep quality which in turn can give your brain the necessary rest it needs.
If you're having a bad mental health day, feel free to do whatever you think is going to make you feel better. But try to make an effort to go for a stupid walk for your stupid mental health.
It's a silly and lighthearted TikTok trend, but it can genuinely get you in a better mood, so put on some comfortable clothing, get your favourite tunes, and go for a walk. Whether you walk for 5 minutes, or for twenty minutes doesn't matter, as long as you make an effort to go outside. The sun has been shining, and the temperature is rising, so take advantage of the weather and go on that stupid walk.
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